Emissions

The trend in emissions over a five-year period shows a picture of general improvement, with the exception of some small fluctuations that may occur from year to year relating to plant changes and extraordinary maintenance. The improvement in environmental data is due to a series of technical and management measures, which have gradually equipped the refinery with more efficient technology and resources to operate in a more environmentally-friendly manner.

A comparison between the last five years and the average performances of the 1990s is particularly significant, and shows the company’s growing awareness of environmental and safety issues, e.g. sulphur dioxide emissions (SO2) have fallen by around 50%.

Atmospheric emissions of sulphur and nitrogen compounds derived from the refining process generate acid rain, which falls into the ground, even at quite considerable distances from the production site, damaging the flora and fauna and indirectly, the population. It is therefore imperative that we limit the quantity emitted into the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gas emissions

The two activities carried out by our group at the Sarroch plant - the refinery (refining sector) and the IGCC plant (thermoelectric sector) - fall within the field of application of the European Emissions Trading Directive. The directive was introduced across Europe to control and reduce carbon dioxide emissions as part of the fight against climate change.

It works by assigning each individual plant falling within the directive’s field of application an emissions allowance established by the member state through a national allocation plan. Surplus allowances may be traded and/or stockpiled, and any deficit must be covered by acquiring emissions allowances on the market. Allocation is decided for each of the reference periods set by the Directive: the first covers the three-year period 2005-2007, while the following ones relate to the subsequent five-year periods 2008-2012, 2013-2018, etc.).
The method of calculation is certified by accredited independent bodies in accordance with European guidelines. The main method of controlling and reducing emissions is to use energy rationally and adopt efficient energy generating systems, issues to which Saras has always been heavily committed. The National Emissions Trading Register, which is available for consultation, records both the allowances assigned and the annual CO2 emissions in Italy. Saras has been assigned a single position grouping the total emissions from its operations at the Sarroch plant.

Air quality safeguards

As part of its firm policy on environmental protection, Saras undertakes ongoing monitoring and continuous air quality control using management tools and procedures for this purpose.
Air quality outside the Sarroch refinery (emissions) is checked by three monitoring networks, comprising a total of 14 stations, of which four belong to Saras (that measure the concentration in the air of the following pollutants: SO2, NO2, CO, H2S, PM10, ozone and hydrocarbons) and six to Polimeri Europa, and four of which are managed by the province of Cagliari.

Thanks to this monitoring system, Saras can obtain data on the changes in the key air quality parameters, in order to ensure that pollution is kept below the minimum levels laid down by law and take immediate steps when necessary.

As part of its environmental prevention and protection activities, manual samples are also assessed periodically.